In-form runner Trust In a Gust has continued his exceptional run of form through the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival at Caulfield this afternoon, displaying an exceptional turn of foot to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Trust In A Gust has completed an impressive run to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Jumping from the gates well, the Keep The Faith entire settled in prime position on the heels of early leader Solicit, who set a noticeably quick tempo over the back straight and rounding the bend.
Finding a clear racing line upon reaching the final straight, Trust In A Gust quickly hit the fore of the field and pulled a length clear, maintaining a strong enough sprint to withstand a late charge from Speediness; rank outsider Desert Jeuney running on for third.
Jockey Brad Rawiller delivered an exceptional ride on Trust In A Gust in the 2014 Toorak Handicap and immediately heaped the praise on the classy four-year-old, now a two-time Group 1 champion.
“He’s just outstanding this bloke, to get ion this horse and get one for Darren Weir, I’m just wrapped,” Rawiller said after claiming his 17th Group 1 victory in the 2014 Toorak Handicap.
“I say it every time I ride him cause he keeps winning, but he’s so honest.”
Trainer Darren Weir was understandably thrilled with Trust In A Gust’s performance in the 2014 Toorak Handicap and outlined the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) on November 8th as likely to be the next major target.
“What a ride, what a great horse to train; sound, tough, makes his own luck and the perfect sort of horse for what trainers are looking for,” Weir said.
“It’s great for everyone involved; all the staff at home, they work hard and a great bunch of owners … its just been a great ride for a lot of people.
“It’s good to have everyone here and it’s a big thrill, it took us a long time to win a Group 1 and got a couple now with a with a great little horse.
“The Emirates might be on the agenda, but we’ll just get over today and the next couple of days.”
Securing an exceptional tenth race win in taking out the 2014 Toorak Handicap in a career which has also included five minor places from a total of 17 starts, Trust In A Gust completed a Group 1 double this afternoon after taking out the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) most recently on September 28th.
2014 Toorak Handicap Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | TRUST IN A GUST | Darren Weir | Brad Rawiller | – | 11 | 56.5kg | $4.60F |
| 2 | 2 | SPEEDINESS | Colin Scott | Hugh Bowman | 0.75L | 3 | 57.5kg | $19 |
| 3 | 14 | DESERT JEUNEY | Nigel Blackiston | James Winks | 0.95L | 1 | 53kg | $61 |
| 4 | 10 | AKAVOROUN | Ciaron Maher | Ms Michelle Payne | 1.05L | 12 | 53kg | $15 |
| 5 | 12 | RHYTHM TO SPARE (NZ) | Michael Moroney | Dwayne Dunn | 1.25L | 9 | 53kg | $31 |
| 6 | 6 | BULL POINT | Chris Waller | Jim Cassidy | 1.55L | 2 | 54.5kg | $7 |
| 7 | 13 | ESCADO | Matt Laurie | Tommy Berry | 1.75L | 4 | 53kg | $31 |
| 8 | 8 | SOLICIT | Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra | Craig Newitt | 2.75L | 14 | 53.5kg | $7 |
| 9 | 1 | GUEST OF HONOUR (IRE) | Marco Botti | Damien Oliver | 3.25L | 5 | 58kg | $15 |
| 10 | 3 | COMMANDING JEWEL | Leon & Troy Corstens | Corey Brown | 4L | 10 | 56.5kg | $13 |
| 11 | 11 | LATE CHARGE | Wendy Kelly | Glen Boss | 5L | 7 | 53kg | $15 |
| 12 | 9 | RECITE (NZ) | John Bary | Stephen Baster | 7.5L | 15 | 53kg | $51 |
| 13 | 15 | TRISTRAM’S SUN (NZ) | Robbie Laing | Darren Gauci | 8.75L | 6 | 53kg | $91 |
| 14 | 7 | ARABIAN GOLD | David Vandyke | Craig Williams | 11.75L | 13 | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 15 | 5 | ATLANTE | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Kerrin McEvoy | 13.75L | 8 | 54.5kg | $10 |
